A gripping psychological thriller with a twist - The Secret Mother

This wonderful and intense story begins with an unbelievable premise, that a child appears out of nowhere in the kitchen of a woman who has suffered the death of her only two children, as well as the loss of her husband. The child was delivered by his 'angel' and told that this is where his real mommy lives. Author Shalini Boland takes this unbelievable premise and weaves a story that is engaging, mysterious and finally believable. And how does she do it? Well, you can read the book and find out. I started reading The Secret Mother on New Year's Eve and finished it in the evening of New Year's Day. It was time well spent.

Curt Tilleraas
Author: This Side of Paradise: The Religious World of Elijah Muhammad, XULON Press, 2012

I have never read anything from this author until I read this book. I was hooked from page one all the way until the end, because the plot was always strong. Tess was a woman of hope, Love, determination and so much more to find out how this little boy got into her kitchen. I loved her from the moment I started reading. The details are amazing I just can’t believe how people can be so cruel. This book is a must read and deserves ten stars!!!!!

Shalini Boland does it again! It’s not my favourite book by the author, but it doesn’t disappoint. I did figure out the villains pretty quickly, but that might be because I’ve read everything Boland’s published hehehe. More, please!

This book was brilliant. Kept my attention from beginning to end. Not sure if I would be as strong as Tessa. The characters were perfectly written. You will love some, hate some and have empathy for some. You will not be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this book, it was interesting to see how Tessa coped with her grief, I felt in tune with her when she was close to falling apart. I may not have children, but I did give my cats extra hugs and kisses during the cemetery scene. I know I'll probably outlive them and that thought alone freaks me out. I did figure out the mystery, but it was good to see I was right and I didn't expect the twists around how the reveal comes about.

I enjoyed reading this book right from the first line. I could not put it down....I was hoping right the the beginning that Tessa would get her comings....and I was satisfied in the end. What a night mare to loose not one child,but BOTH. all I can say is follow your first instincts, the mind didn't lie. I'm so glad she stuck to her guts.

This was an exciting book. I wasn't prepared for the final outcome until almost to the end.
I didn't want to put it down as to find out what was happening next.
Loved this book. Thanks Shalini Boland!

Where did this child come from? The book takes you on a psychological ride to figure out who this child is that ends up in Tessa’s house and how he got there. Good characters - some I loved and some I hated because they were well-written. I would definitely eat ,ore from this author.

very interesting psychological thriller. There were portions where I thought the female protagonist was stupid or lacking insight. Then I realized I was interpreting from my personal experience. The resolution was unexpected and satisfying.

Good mystery/suspense book. Keeps the readers attention throughout. The heroine is a likable character who reacts to the presenting dilemmas with believable responses and the endin ties up all the loose ends with believable resolutions. Well developed!

The characters in this book were “real” from page one. I felt myself getting angry when Tessa was being treated in a condescending way as if I know this person. This author understands how to show depth in her characters. A good read!

A really well crafted. Novel. Character development is so good you feel you know these people. Won't rehash the plot you will have to read the BOOK. The author gets you very involved, you find yourself, like the characters, immersed in feeling many emotions.

Harry shows up in the kitchen saying his Angel brought him to her. There are lots of twist and turns, sorrow, pain and deceit. The truth wins out in a surprising way. Easy read . Occasionally rather boring and unbelievable. Almost childlessly written at times.

I will recommend this book to anyone who gets caught up in such a fascinating story line we that they literally cannot put the book down. This is definitely one of those. I am happily on to her next book.